Assessing the antioxidant properties of Pilea trinivera (Roxb.) Wight) by in vitro and in vivo studies

Background: Pohpohan leaves (Pilea trinivera (Roxb.) Wight), commonly consumed as fresh vegetables, contain flavonoids useful as antioxidants. Literature studies showed the content of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, luteolin, and apigenin. Objective: The research aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of 70% ethanolic extract of Pohpohan leaves in Wistar rats induced by heat stress with the parameters malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Method: The pilot study found the extract's total flavonoid, phenolic content, and IC50, respectively, 1.48%, 1.64%, and 79.65ppm. The sample consisted of 30 male Wistar rats that met the criteria and were divided into six groups. MDA levels were determined using the TBARs method, while SOD activity was measured using the spectrophotometric method. Data analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test. Result: MDA levels (nmol/mL) for normal control, negative control, positive control, doses I, II and III group, respectively, were 2.581; 12.978;0.830; 8.597; 6.041; 2.291 whereas the SOD activity (U/mL) of each group was 161.55; 101.54; 267.70; 184.62; 207.69; 240. There were no significant differences in MDA and SOD levels between the positive control group and dose III. Conclusion: The results showed the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Pilea trinervia (Roxb.) Wight).